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Italian Beef and Barley Soup

A comforting, rustic soup packed with tender tender beef chuck, chewy barley, and classic aromatics in a rich herb tomato broth.

80 minMediumServes 6465 cal/serving

Italian-AmericanSoupStovetopHigh FiberHigh ProteinDairy-FreeNut-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 lbs beef chuck stew meat, cubed
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cups carrots, sliced
  • 2 cups celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 3/4 cup pearl barley, rinsed

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.

  2. 2

    Add 1.5 lbs cubed beef chuck stew meat and sear until browned on all sides and internal temperature reaches at least 160°F, about 8 minutes, then set aside.

  3. 3

    In the same pot, add 1 diced yellow onion, 2 cups sliced carrots, and 2 cups chopped celery stalks, cooking for 5 minutes until softened.

  4. 4

    Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

  5. 5

    Return 1.5 lbs cubed beef chuck stew meat to the pot and add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 6 cups beef broth, and 3/4 cup rinsed pearl barley.

  6. 6

    Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes until 3/4 cup rinsed pearl barley is tender.

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Questions

How long does Italian Beef and Barley Soup take?

As written, 80 minutes: 20 of prep and 60 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 6 (45 minutes): "Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes until 3/4 cup rinsed pearl barley is tender."

What internal temperature should Italian Beef and Barley Soup reach?

For Italian Beef and Barley Soup, the target internal temperature is 160 F (about 70 C), given in step 2. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

Can I skip the searing in Italian Beef and Barley Soup?

Step 2 reads: "Add 1.5 lbs cubed beef chuck stew meat and sear until browned on all sides and internal temperature reaches at least 160°F, about 8 minutes, then set aside." You can, but you give up flavor. The browning in step 2 builds the savory base the rest of the dish is seasoned against. Give the pieces room so the pan stays hot.

Is there a substitute for Italian seasoning in Italian Beef and Barley Soup?

The entry for Italian Beef and Barley Soup calls for 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning. In its place: Equal parts dried oregano, basil and thyme, with a little rosemary.

Can I make Italian Beef and Barley Soup gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Italian Beef and Barley Soup is 3/4 cup pearl barley, rinsed. Swap the grain for cooked rice or quinoa (the chew will differ). Everything else proceeds as written.

How much protein is in Italian Beef and Barley Soup?

One serving (the recipe makes 6) has 27 g of protein in about 465 calories, alongside 28 g carbohydrate and 25 g fat, plus 6 g fiber and 890 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list. More like it: the high-protein soup collection.

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